By TJ Troup
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| George Atkinson |
Four weeks into the season, and so many storylines have led to plenty of compelling drama in the weeks to come. Which teams off to a hot start can continue to win? Which teams that have struggled can correct their issues, and put themselves back in the play-off hunt? The quote in the title of my short saga today comes from Marcus Jones after his impressive day returning punts.
I wonder if Marcus would be impressed if he looked in the 1970 Record Book and saw the number of yards returned on punts by George Atkinson of the Raiders, or the Lions' Jack Christensen and Tom Watkins, as they had set the standard for both the AFL & NFL as the league headed into the merger?
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| Jack Christensen |
Our journey back in time today for October 5th, deals with a rivalry that was highlighted by Steve Sabol at NFL Films; the Eagles and Giants. We return to 1947 and the New York Giants have beaten the Eagles 19 of the 26 times they have played each other entering this game. Philadelphia is at home coming off its high-scoring victory over the Redskins.
Earle "Greasy" Neale's defense has come to play today, as the Giants gain just 39 yards on the ground in shutting out New York 23-0 (just the second shut-out of the Giants). Philadelphia will allow just 80 yards rushing a game in their eight victories.
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| Steve Van Buren |
The Eagle ground game is in fine form as future Hall of Famer Steve Van Buren gains 105 yards on 16 carries (the third time he has gained 100 rushing against New York). Van Buren will win the rushing title and become just the second runner in league history to gain over 1,000 yards in a season, as the Eagles earn their first division title.
The forties Eagle team deserve more credit. Thanx for mentioning them
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